Outdoor Shelter - Guide To Choosing A Timber Shelter For Your School

The PTA have a long list of things to buy, and this often includes: summer shade, wet weather timber shelter, parent waiting outdoor shelters and outdoor classrooms. Wherever possible the savvy school will look to combine all these in one substantial unit which, correctly positioned, can cover all categories.

In these circumstances you will require a solid structure, designed specifically for use in schools, which has a properly waterproof roof, and large overhangs to shelter the seating area.

Flooring

Many structures can be installed onto tarmac or a slab base at no extra cost and this provides several advantages;Clean clear hardwearing floor which is not going to be affected by the seasonsEase of access as there is no step or ramp to get into the shelter

If you're considering installation onto grass, please remember that the extra footfall generated by use of the timber shelter will mean the grass area will become damaged and, without adequate levels of light/rain, will be unable to fully recover. This will mean problems with mud in winter and dust in summer. Flooring such as decking would be beneficial. However, this will create a step into the shelter and potentially create the need for a ramp to ensure that the facility offers access for all. Alternatively, grass reinforcement could be used to improve wear resistance of the natural floor.

Benching

Benching needs to be robust, smooth and at a suitable height for primary aged children whilst acceptable for adults to use as well. We would suggest 0.50m from the floor. There should be sufficient spaces for a full class of children ie up to 30 pupils - ideally all facing towards the same point for teaching purposes.

Roofing

A variety of roofing options should be available to you; the primary function being to offer a dry interior. Where Bitumen roofing is offered, look for guarantees to ensure that you are going to get a decent lifespan from the roofing. Bitumen shingle tiles can have an attractive appearance and are available in a variety of colours with some quality manufacturers giving a 15 year manufacturers guarantee.

Sedum roofing when first installed.Cedar Shingle roofingBitumen Shingle roofing

If you wish to use the structure to demonstrate sustainable options in construction then consider either a living/sedum roof or cedar shingles.

Longevity

Look for guarantees on the structure that can give confidence in its lifespan. Where choosing a natural material such as timber ensure that it is treated against rot: ideally pressure impregnated. Timber shelters should be correctly installed to maximise lifespan. Where upright posts are being concreted into the ground, be aware that this can cause a weak at the interface, where accelerated decay might occur. A far better method of installation is to bolt the posts to the ground. A small piece of DPC between post and ground will help prevent water ingress to maximise the life of the upright post.

Wind-lift

No one wants to be responsible for purchasing the outdoor shelter that was destroyed in gales! Ask the supplier about wind-lift. Such features as the weight of the structure, inner ceiling design and number and positioning of uprights will all have an impact here. Have structural calculations been done to prove that this is not going to be an issue?

Finishing & Speed of Construction

Any timber product should be factory planed to minimise splintering - especially benches. Any product with upright posts should have the corners "pencil rounded" to soften edges and minimise damage should anyone bump into them. A structure such as this should be erected in just one or two days.

Pricing

Make sure that the cost you have been quoted includes delivery and installation. Ensure you have asked about likely additional costs.

Sustainability

Use this opportunity to purchase a structure that is made of sustainable materials and demonstrates your school's commitment to the environment. Timber is the only natural, renewable, recyclable and bio-degradable construction material we have. Not only that, but it looks good too! Buy a timber shelter for your school and let it double up as an outdoor classroom and parents' waiting outdoor shelter. It will remain as a legacy to the school for many many years to come.

For more information about timber shelters visit our website.

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Enjoy City Life And The Outdoors In Rice Military Homes

Rice Military Homes offer the advantages of city living combined with the beauty of one of USA's largest urban parks. Situated in the vibrant and busy city of Houston, Texas, it is no wonder that it is one of most sought after Houston real estate properties not only by the upper middle class, but also by young urban professionals, empty nesters and affluent home seekers. Rice Military Homes which is situated just west, downtown of Houston, is gaining popularity due to its proximity to Memorial Park and Allen Parkway recreational areas.

Offers a Vibrant Environment

The Rice Military Homes gets its name from, Mr. William Marsh Rice, a notable person who founded the Rice University and Camp Logan, a WWI United States military training camp, which is situated close to the place.

The Rice Military Area is surrounded by pleasant neighborhoods on all the sides. In addition, it is in close proximity to Houston downtown with its active nightlife, the museum, and Galleria shopping. The amazing location surrounded by parks having lush foliage, makes it one of the most exciting and charming places to live in. The site features trails, tennis courts, fields and wide open-spaces and a renowned 600- acre golf course. It has provisions for activities like:

* Swimming

* Tennis

* Hiking

* Biking

* Softball

* Volleyball

* Golf

* Baseball

The Rice Military area is conveniently located inside the loop within walking distance from the renowned Memorial Park. The area itself encourages an active lifestyle with its crisp fresh air and location, which encourages outdoor activities. There are a wide range of townhouses and condominiums, with spacious rooms and garage area, which can satisfy the requirement of anyone looking for a good home surrounded by a vibrant atmosphere.

Houston Real Estate and Houston Properties

As Houston properties are always in high demand, it is tough to buy or sell homes without the help of a reliable Houston real estate dealer. A competent Houston real estate firm can help customers interested in buying a home in the Rice Military Area. They can provide them with essential information like:

* Accurate details about homes and other properties currently up for sale

* Comparison of prices with relevance to previous deals executed

* Information regarding the neighborhood and community areas like shopping malls, places of worship, universities, schools, restaurants, theaters and other conveniences.

* Accurate listing details

* Number of days the property has been on the market

* Comprehensive details of sold out homes

Real estate dealers offer unique marketing strategies to customers who are interested in selling their Houston properties. They maximize the exposure of the property by highlighting its positive features through their website.

A variety of town homes, condos and an appealing array of upscale apartments are available for lease and rent. This is convenient for people looking for temporary homes and for those who cannot afford to make an outright purchase. Most of the buildings constructed by skilled professionals feature an appealing array of state-of- the-art amenities, with eye catching designer features as an added attraction.

For those looking for a modern urban neighborhood set amidst natural surroundings, Rice Military homes is the right place, as it provides the best of both urban life and nature for its dwellers.

Search all Houston Rice Military Homes with spacious rooms and garage areas according to your budget and location at http://www.houstonproperties.com/

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Home Systems: Active Vs Passive Solar Heating Systems

Are you interested in using a solar heating system? If so, then you will have several options. One of the main ones is whether to choose an active or passive system.

What are Active Solar Heating Systems?

This type of system involves harnessing and storing (in the form of heat) solar energy. It uses fans and other objects to dispense heat that has been harnessed. Solar cells constructed of silicon are the most common type of solar heat collectors. Typically, the cells are contained on solar panels, which are located on the roof of a home.

What are its main types?

There are two primary types. Their difference lies in the material that captures and moves the heat that is located in the solar collector. Usually the material is a gas or a liquid. For instance, an air-based system usually involves transpired air collectors or air room heaters. On the other hand, liquid-based systems usually involve water (or antifreeze) to capture and move heat.

How much power does it provide?

Usually the goal of such systems is to heat up to three-fourths of a home's interior. When more solar energy than a house needs is produced, the homeowner could then sell excess power back to his or her local utility company. Also, it is advisable to heat both the air and water in your home, so your system can function throughout the entire year.

What Are Passive Solar Heating Systems?

This type of system is a low-technology method of capturing solar energy. It functions by directly capturing the sun's warmth, and then retaining it within the house for the function of heating. This is mainly achieved through methods such as quality insulation and windows. This type of system can lower your current heating costs, or even replace your home's current system.

What are its components?

Windows are the primary components of such systems. The goal is to maximize the amount of sunlight and heat that one can collect during the daytime. Typically, the windows consist of a special variety of glass that absorbs as much heat as possible-and then keeps it indoors for a maximum amount of time.

Besides windows, another common component of Passive Solar Heating Systems are trombes, which are a special type of wall. There is a pane of glass in front of the wall. The mission is for the space between the glass and wall to collect heat. Another method is to paint the concrete walls black, so they will absorb sunlight more.

What are its benefits?

This is generally an ideal option when you are looking for a solar heating system for a new home. The reason is that Passive Solar Heating systems are based on factors such as the location of the windows in the home, the location of the building itself, the amount of insulation in the building, and so on. These issues can be quite challenging to change within existing homes-and especially the location of the home!

After learning the basics of Active and Passive Solar Heating Systems, it is time to determine which one is best for you.

Original article